Think of us as every student’s best-kept secret: your own private fashion tutor, available on demand.
Our mission is your success. Whether you’re a student or teacher at a high school or college—anywhere in the world—and you need support with curriculum development, class projects, or building your portfolio, we’re here for YOU.
What you get
Access 550+ on-demand video tutorials across 13 fashion disciplines, all taught by experienced fashion professors and industry professionals:
Sewing: machine & hand stitching, seam and hem finishes, zippers, couture techniques, tailoring, embroidery, leatherwork, and more
Fashion Drawing: figure drawing for men, women, and children; fabric rendering; design details; watercolor, pastels, and more
Knits: knitting, crocheting, and cut-and-sew knits
Menswear: measuring the male body and drafting bespoke patterns from measurements
CAD Art: Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, 3D design, AI fashion design, textile design
CAD Pattern Making: Tukatech pattern drafting and marker-making software
Accessories: handbags, small leather goods, shoe design
Product Development: starting a brand, adaptive fashion, tech design, flats, specs, tech packs, 3D design, AI fashion design
Childrenswear: global sizing and free kids’ pattern slopers for boys’ and girls’ wear
Fashion Business: start-up, retail, branding, fashion law, licensing, visual merchandising, and more
Lecture Series: adaptive design, costume history, sustainable design, color theory, trend forecasting, textiles, visual merchandising, and more
Special back-to-school offer
We typically run this promotion only once a year (during the holidays), but to help teachers and students get a head start, we’re offering $55 off our annual subscription:
Regular price: $220
Now: $165 with code TUTOR
Offer expires: October 1, 2026
Ready to elevate your fashion education? Use code TUTOR at checkout and start learning today.
If you are a school or group, we offer a free trial so that you can sample our content before taking advantage of our reduced rates for schools & groups.
Hurry, our offers expire October 1, 2026. Please note that the student discount promo code can only be used by teachers for their ownpersonal use and not for use in the classroom. For our group subscription rates (5+ people) and to learn more about our free trials, scan the Group QR code above.
And just because we love every single fashionista out there, you don’t need to be a student or teacher to take advantage of our back to school promo, our sale is open to everyone!
From University of Fashion’s lesson – Model Drawing: Non-Classic Silhouettes & Poses. (Image credit: University of Fashion)
Fashion model drawing is often misunderstood as simply sketching what you see. In reality, it is a disciplined process of interpretation, structure, and intention. When working from a live model, you are not just copying a body—you are translating form, movement, and design into a visual language that communicates clothing.
Understanding ProportionMapping the 9 ½ head fashion pose from UoF’s lesson Model Drawing: Fashion Proportion & Movement. (Image credit: University of Fashion)
One of the first principles to understand is proportion. In fashion illustration, we commonly use the 9½-head figure, an elongated version of the human body that enhances elegance and emphasizes the garment. This is not about realism; it is about idealization. The extended proportions create space for design and movement, allowing the clothing to take center stage.
Mapping the Action Line, Center Front & Balance LineMapping the action line, center front and balance line from UoF’s lesson Model Drawing: Fashion Proportion & Movement. (Image credit: University of Fashion)
From there, you begin with the action line—the visual spine of the pose. This line captures the energy and flow of the model and sets the tone for the entire drawing. Supporting this is the balance line, which ensures that your figure feels grounded, even in dynamic poses. You will also establish the center front line, a critical guide that helps you understand how the body—and therefore the garment—turns in space.
Gesture DrawingMapping the gesture from UoF’s lesson Model Drawing: Fashion Proportion & Movement. (Image credit: University of Fashion)
Gesture drawing becomes your foundation. It is fast, expressive, and focused on movement rather than detail. A strong gesture captures life in just a few lines. Without it, even the most detailed rendering will feel stiff.
Cylindrical PerspectiveMapping the cylindrical perspective from UoF’s lesson Model Drawing: Fashion Proportion & Movement. (Image credit: University of Fashion)
Another essential concept is cylindrical perspective. The human body is not flat; it exists in three dimensions. Limbs, the torso, and even the neck should be understood as forms wrapping around an axis. Thinking in cylinders allows you to correctly place contours, seams, and shadows, giving your drawing depth and realism.
Pose vs Garment SilhouetteUnderstanding pose choice based on garment silhouette from UoF’s lesson Model Drawing: Various Poses for Different Silhouettes. (Image credit: University of Fashion)
Equally important is the silhouette. The shape of the clothing—whether it clings tightly to the body or drapes loosely—dictates how the figure should be posed. This is where many beginners make a critical mistake: they choose a pose first, often inspired by a magazine image, and then try to fit their design into it. This approach rarely works.
In fashion drawing, the design must come first. The pose is not arbitrary—it is a tool to showcase the garment.
The Form-Fitting PoseFor a form-fitting silhouette the pose should support and reveal the contours of the body. From UoF’s lesson Model Drawing: Various Poses for Different Silhouettes. (Image credit: University of Fashion)
For example, if you are designing a form-fitting outfit, the pose should support and reveal the contours of the body. A stance where the legs form a wide triangle would disrupt the line and obscure the garment’s shape.
From UoF’s lesson Model Drawing: Pant Poses. (Image credit: University of Fashion)
On the other hand, if you are designing wide-leg pants, that same triangular stance could enhance the volume and movement of the fabric, creating a casual and relaxed effect.
Evening Wear & Tailored Silhouette PosesFrom UoF’s lesson Model Drawing: Evening & Tailored Garments (Image credit: University of Fashion)
Every decision you make—from proportion to pose—should serve the clothing. For example, an evening wear pose should be a dramatic, exaggerated pose, with an elongated neck and perhaps a back view that features a low back neckline. The goal is not to create an interesting figure, but to create a compelling presentation of your design.
When you begin to think this way, your drawings shift from sketches into intentional fashion illustrations. You are no longer just observing—you are designing with purpose.
University of Fashion’s Model Drawing Lesson SeriesFor more on drawing from a real-life model, view our entire Model Drawing lesson series, taught by Richard Rosenfeld. Richard has taught fashion illustration at Parsons and at FIT for 30+ years and is the Master!
Fashion illustrator Roberto Calasanz — from one of his gouache mood illustration lessons. (Image credit: University of Fashion)
This post celebrates our brilliant fashion illustration instructors—artists whose line work is guided not by algorithms but by instinct, observation, and soul. These luminaries have spent decades mastering the eloquence of the hand. They are, in many ways, the unsung pioneers of the very machine-learning artistry now trending online.
Preserving the Hand — The University of Fashion Legacy in an AI Age
Since its founding in 2008, the University of Fashion has held steadfast to one clear mission:to preserve the art and craft of fashion design.Our tagline, “Master Design One Step at a Time,” has remained delightfully unchanged, a rarity in an age that worships constant reinvention.
The Living Line — Where Human Hands Outdraw the Machine
Fashion illustrator Steven Broadway — from one of his many lessons on illustrating contemporary female fashion figures. (Image credit: University of Fashion)
Why Live Model Sketching Still Belongs to Humans
Of course, evolution is part of any creative discipline, and we’ve embraced it with style. Over the years, digital pattern making, computer-generated illustration, 3D visualization, and even AI-assisted design have joined our curriculum. Yet, at our core, we remain guardians of the tactile traditions — the rhythmic scratch of pencil on paper, the well-placed notch in a pattern, the sweep of a brush translating fabric into fantasy.
Drawing from a live model — one of Richard Rosenfeld’s fashion illustration lessons. (Image credit: University of Fashion)
Each sketch our instructors produce hums with the irreplaceable pulse of human creativity. Something no bot, however sophisticated its neural net, can quite counterfeit, especially when it pertains to drawing from a live model!
Hand to Paper — The Original Design Technology
Roberto Calasanz’s lesson on how to render camouflage (Image credit: University of Fashion)
And the public agrees. Every time we share one of our drawing demonstration clips on our Instagram, Threads and Facebook page, engagement soars, reaffirming that people still crave the poetry of human touch. That’s why, regardless of what ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Perplexity, or the next digital wunderkind may predict, the University of Fashion willalwayschampion the exquisite imperfection of the hand-drawn line. Because in fashion, as in life, a little humanity never goes out of style.
The Enduring Hand in a Digital AgeExcerpts from our AI for Fashion Design & Rendering Crocodile lessons. (Image credit: University of Fashion)
Bridging Tradition & Technology — Where Pencil Meets Pixel
In the end, the University of Fashion stands as both a sanctuary and a bridge — honoring the lineage of the hand-drawn line while preparing artists for the digital frontiers ahead. Our commitment is not to resist change, but to ensure that progress does not erase provenance. The pencil and the pixel can coexist, but only one can teach us why beauty moves us. In tracing each curve by hand, our instructors remind the next generation that artistry begins not in code, but in consciousness, a timeless dialogue between mind, hand, and heart
The Origin Story of World Creativity and Innovation Day
World Creativity and Innovation Day is celebrated annually on April 21st. The origin of this day can be traced back to Canadian Marci Segal, a creativity and innovation consultant (since 1984) and the author of books such as Creativity and Personality Type: Tools for Understanding and Inspiring the Many Voices of Creativity and A Quick Guide to the Four Temperaments and Creativity: A Psychological Understanding of Creativity. Segal founded World Creativity and Innovation Day in 2001 with the intention of encouraging people to utilize their natural creative abilities to generate new ideas and ultimately make the world a better place. The date April 21st was chosen as it is the day that precedes Earth Day (April 22nd), emphasizing the crucial role of creativity in fostering a sustainable planet. Initially observed in various countries since 2002, World Creativity and Innovation Day gained official recognition from the United Nations in April 2017 with the first official UN celebration taking place on April 21, 2018.
Ways to Celebrate World Creativity & Innovation Day
Since the founding of University of Fashion in 2008, my mission has been both to preserve the art & craft of fashion design and to educate & inspire creativity. Now, with 550 video lessons to offer, from beginner to advanced in 13 different fashion disciplines, we are a one-stop shop for creativity. So, in honor of World Creativity & Innovation Day, if you are looking to learn something new or inspiration, we’ll help get you started. Here’s a little sample of some lessons that just might spark the inner artist or entrepreneur in you:
University of Fashion’s menswear drawing lessons taught by Professor Steven Broadway (FIT & Parsons). (Image credit: UniversityofFashion.com)
If you are a current fashion student preparing your menswear portfolio for the job market, or an aspiring designer getting your portfolio ready for a fashion college application, or a current fashion designer looking to update your existing portfolio, do we have the right lessons for YOU! Professor Steven Broadway has been teaching at Parsons and at Fashion Institute of Technology for more than 15 years. He has helped students create some of the most amazing portfolios that speak to today’s fashion industry. His men’s fashion figures are edgy and contemporary. There is no doubt that your portfolio will benefit from watching his lessons.
Ask any job recruiter in the fashion industry or any fashion college admissions director and they will say the same thing…your portfolio speaks volumes. A great portfolio will get you an interview, with a lackluster portfolio you will probably be passed over). And, what you include in your portfolio is much more than pretty pictures. Hear from our experts by viewing our Portfolio Tips for Fashion College Admissions lesson by Professor Lauren Zodel (FIT) and Creating a Professional Fashion Portfolio by Michi Raab (former Ralph Lauren recruiter). (Image credit: Universiutyoffashion.com)
Getting Started
If you are brand new to drawing the male fashion figure, we have several lessons that cover various male fashion poses, such as the Drawing the Male Contapposto Pose. In this lesson we teach you how to map the male figure with what is known in the industry as a 10-head proportion. You will learn body proportion, how to draw the ‘S’ curve of the body in motion and all about muscle placement.
University of Fashion’s lesson, Drawing the Male Contapposto Pose. by Fan Wu (former Parsons instructor). (Image credit UniversityofFashion.com)
We’ve created a generous discount code so that when your students get stuck with their school assignments they can visit University of Fashion to get help.
Our yearly subscription was $220 but is now $180 until October 1, 2024.
Use promo code SCHOOL at checkout.
And, guess what? This promo code also works for teachers too! (for personal use only- not for classroom).
Are you a teacher looking for help planning your curriculum?
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We’re here for YOU!
Our mission is your success whether you’re a student or teacher at a high school or college from anywhere around the world. We offer 550+ on-demand video lessons in 13 different disciplines all taught by fashion professors & industry pros:
Draping
Pattern making
Sewing
Fashion Drawing
Knits
Menswear
CAD Art: includes Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, 3D design & textile design
CAD Pattern making
Accessories: includes handbags, shoes & small leather goods design
Product Development
Childrenswear
Swimwear
Fashion Business: includes business start-up, retailing, branding, licensing & more
Lecture series: includes adaptive design, color theory, trend forecasting, textiles, visual merchandising, etc.
We usually only make this offer once a year (during the Holidays), BUT we are so, so, so, happy to offer a $40 discount on a yearly subscription for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Hurry, hurry, hurry, the offer expires October 1, 2024.
Please note that the discount promo code can only be used by teachers for their own personal use and not for use in the classroom. For a group subscription click this link to inquire about our Group Subscription Pricing: https://www.universityoffashion.com/group-registration/
Teachers- take a screen shot of the sign-up QR Code below and share it with your students:
School is back in session and we’re at your service !
Our mission is your success and so, if you are a student or teacher at a high school or college from anywhere around the world, and you are looking for help with your curriculum and projects, then we’re here for YOU!
We have 550+ on-demand video lessons in 13 different disciplines all taught by fashion professors & industry pros:
Draping
Pattern making
Sewing
Fashion Drawing
Knits
Menswear
CAD Art: includes Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, 3D design & textile design
CAD Pattern making
Accessories: includes handbags, shoes & small leather goods design
Product Development
Childrenswear
Swimwear
Fashion Business: includes business start-up, retailing, branding, licensing & more
Lecture series: includes adaptive design, color theory, trend forecasting, textiles, visual merchandising, etc.
We usually only make this offer once a year (during the Holidays), BUT to give both teachers and students a head start this school year, we are so, so, so, happy to offer a $40 discount on a yearly subscription to UoF. Please note that the discount promo code can only be used by teachers for their own, personal use and not for use in the classroom. For a group subscription click this link to learn about our Group Subscription Pricing: https://www.universityoffashion.com/group-registration/
Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty—Exhibition tour with Andrew Bolton. Video Courtesy of the MET’s YouTube video.
Have you already been to the new MET exhibit, Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty, or are planning to attend? Lucky you. If not, then you must view Andrew Bolton’s tour of the exhibit on You Tube.
THE ‘S’ OR SERPENTINE CURVE
The Analysis of Beauty by William Hogarth in 1753 . Hogarth considered line #4, the Line of Beauty”. (Image credit: ResearchGate.net)
The highly anticipated Karl Lagerfeld MET exhibit, which opened on May 5 and is on display until July 16, 2023, is a remarkable homage to the iconic designer and, for all you fashion illustrators nerds out there, a study in line, brushstroke and architectural principles. As the basis for the exhibition, the MET has focused on Lagerfeld’s interest in the work of William Hogarth (1697–1764), a British artist, printmaker and theorist, who published “The Analysis of Beauty” in 1753 and who is considered the initiator of line aesthetics, particularly the “S” or serpentine curve. Hogarth called waving lines, “lines of beauty” and serpentine-lines “lines of grace.” He depicted seven waving lines, declaring line number 4 as the most beautiful and called it the “line of beauty.”
Venus de Milo sculpture – contrapposto pose (Image credit: Wikipedia)
Historically speaking however, the S-shaped concept actually dates back to the 4th century BC and is attributed to the famous Greek sculptor Praxiteles in the form of the contrapposto pose, whereby the figure is depicted as slouching, or placing the center of gravity to one side. Today it has become a very popular pose in fashion illustration.
THE LINE OF BEAUTY: AN ARTISTIC FOUNDATION
Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty. (Photo Credit: MET)
The MET used Hogarth’s principle to skillfully intertwine Lagerfeld’s love of the Serpentine or ‘S’ line (the line of beauty) and contrasting it with Lagerfeld’s love of the Modern Straight line. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating connection between these concepts, highlighting Lagerfeld’s innovative vision and its impact on the world of fashion. We will also teach you more about the ‘S’ line and the Modern Straight line by referring you to our fashion drawing lessons on how to draw the “S’ and Straight line fashion poses and when to use each in your fashion illustrations. We will also point you to our lessons on how to draft romantic sleeves and our beading and embroidery lessons so that you can achieve some of the looks featured in the Lagerfeld MET show.
THE ROMANTIC SERPENTINE: EVOKING GRACE AND MOVEMENT
Karl Lagerfeld’s Line of Beauty Exhibit. (Photo Credit: The Met)
The Romantic Serpentine or “S” line, represents a curvilinear aesthetic inspired by nature and organic forms. Lagerfeld skillfully infused this concept into his designs, allowing garments to embrace the natural contours of the body. The MET show did a great job of arranging Lagerfeld designs that in groups that demonstrated the Serpentine concept of flowing lines, delicate drapes, and soft textures that brought a sense of fluidity and movement to the exhibit.
THE MODERN STRAIGHT LINE: EMBRACIMG MINIMALISM AND PRECISION
Karl Lagerfeld’s Line of Beauty Exhibit. (Photo Credit: Invision)
In contrast, the Modern Straight Line gained prominence in the early 20th century with the advent of modernism. Characterized by clean lines, simplicity and precision, this style revolutionized the world of design with Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret among the the concept’s early-adopters. The MET show masterfully showcases these sharp silhouettes, geometric patterns, and minimalist aesthetics, by juxtaposing Lagerfeld’s sleek designs against the backdrop of rectangular shadow boxes, creating a visually captivating experience for visitors.
LAGERFELD’S VISION: BLURRING BOUNDARIES AND REDEFINING FASHION
Karl Lagerfeld’s Line of Beauty exhibit. (Photo Credit: The Met)
Karl Lagerfeld’s exhibit not only paid homage to the historical artistic concepts but also demonstrated his ability to push the boundaries of fashion. By intertwining the Line of Beauty with the Modern Straight Line and Romantic Serpentine, Lagerfeld challenged conventional ideas and redefined the way we perceive fashion and design. His innovative approach encouraged the fusion of diverse styles, allowing for endless possibilities and a new era of creativity.
VISITING THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
Karl Lagerfeld’s Line of Beauty Exhibit, Floral Lines. (Photo Credit: The Met)
The Karl Lagerfeld Met Exhibit stands as a testament to Lagerfeld’s exceptional talent and his ability to draw inspiration from various artistic movements. By channeling William Hogarth’s Line of Beauty and seamlessly blending the Modern Straight Line with the Romantic Serpentine, Lagerfeld created a mesmerizing display of fashion that showcased both precision and grace. The exhibit not only honored Lagerfeld’s legacy but also served as a catalyst for future designers to explore the intersections of art and fashion, challenging traditional norms and fostering innovation in the industry. To learn more about Lagerfeld’s fashion illustrations read our earlier blogpost, Celebrating Karl Lagerfeld: As Both Illustrator & Designer.
LEARN ABOUT LAGERFELD’S DESIGN CONCEPTS THROUGH THESE UOF LESSONS:
Learn more about LINE and how to draw the S curve and the Modern Straight line silhouette. Try your hand at some of Lagerfeld’s BIG sleeves like the Leg o’ Mutton and other decorative sleeves and learn how to bead and embroider by viewing these lessons:
SO TELL US, are you an ‘S’ curve or a Straight Modern line fan?
Our fans and subscribers LOVE to hear what our esteemed instructors are up to these days and if you’ve been reading this blog for the past month, then you know that some of our instructors are newly minted entrepreneurs: our menswear instructor, Rishabh Manocha and our swimwear instructor, Jessica Krupa, each have launched their flourishing new businesses.
This week, we’d like to put the spotlight on Ruchira Amare, an amazing talent who manages to combine her artistic talents with her technical fashion design skills. And, she too has launched her brand.
Ruchira was born and raised in Mumbai and is a life-long learner. Although she earned a bachelor’s degree in technology and communication engineering at the University of Mumbai, Ruchira, who has always been interested in the arts, listened to her heart, and pursued individual study with famous Mumbai artists, photography at the National Institute of Photography Mumbai and eventually moved to New York to study fashion design. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Parsons the New School for Design and has worked under fashion designers Donna Karan, Laura Smalls and Peter Speliopoulous.
Live model fashion illustration by Ruchira Amare, aka Y.R. Egon (Image courtesy: Ruchira Amare)
Ruchira is a modern-day polymath. She is just as comfortable using her engineering skills to draft and sew tailored jackets as she is with a paint brush in her hand. As a fine artist, Ruchira’s work has been exhibited in Manhattan at the Dacia Gallery, The Leo House and Space 776. In Brooklyn her artwork has been exhibited at Established Gallery and the Greenpoint Gallery, and her photography at 440 Gallery. Her work was also featured at the Rochester Contemporary Art Centre in Rochester, New York, in Laguna Beach at Six Summit Gallery and online at the Colors of Humanity gallery.
Collage by Ruchira Amare – watercolor on paper with newspaper print entitled: Girl with Yellow Glasses (Image courtesy: Ruchira Amare)
Ruchira’s fashion illustrations have been featured during New York Fashion Week and her work was chosen as part of The New School Alumni Bookshelf 2022, a highly curated list of works by their most notable alum.
Fashion illustration by Ruchira Amare (AKA Y.R. Egon) exhibited during NYFW Art Hearts Fashion event at Angel Orensanz Church. (Image courtesy: Ruchira Amare)
In 2021, Ruchira continued her studies at the New York Academy of Art and the School of Visual Arts. She also explored block printing in India, using plant-based natural dyes from turmeric, dogwood and indigo. Ruchira’s new business venture combines age old block printing techniques, with contemporary motifs from her paintings, to create a fresh take on sustainable fashion.
Ruchira’s Indian block-printing using plant-based natural dyes. (Image courtesy: Ruchira Amare)
Block-printed fashion designs using sustainable dyes inspired by Ruchira’s artwork. (Image courtesy: Ruchira Amare)
Ruchira’s mission is to lead a happy life and be able to share her craft with the world, We wish Ruchira much success in all of her endeavours and especially with her new block printing sustainable clothing venture!
Karl Lagerfeld Sketches His Life video (Video Link: You Tube)
In honor of the upcoming MET exhibit entitled “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” we would like to celebrate Lagerfeld’s work as an accomplished fashion illustrator, as well as a prolific fashion designer. It is a common myth that all fashion designers are able to conceptualize their fashion designs via fashion illustration. The truth is that very few designers know how to ‘illustrate‘. It is much more common for designers to execute a quick fashion ‘sketch‘ to get their design idea across.
Another misconception is that all fashion illustrators can ‘design’. Well, just because one can illustrate fashion doesn’t mean that they can also design fashion. In fact, it is quite rare when a fashion designer can do both. As many of our subscribers know, there are other skills including draping, pattern making and sewing that should be honed to become a successful designer.
Therefore, in lieu of the upcoming MET show, this week’s blog post will highlight Lagerfeld’s work as both a designer and illustrator. And, since we just celebrated World Creativity Day on April 20th, we will also be highlighting other famous designers/illustrators whose illustrations are fast becoming collector’s items, that are either sold at auction houses or on their websites for thousands of dollars.
KARL LAGERFELD: THE ILLUSTRATOR
The upcoming Lagerfeld MET exhibit, which runs from May 5 to July 16, is expected to draw fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders from around the world eager to experience the life and work of one of fashion’s most influential designers. It will feature Lagerfeld’s most iconic designs, including his re-imagined Chanel jackets, Fendi fur pieces and his signature accessories. The exhibit will also include a variety of personal items belonging to Lagerfeld, such as his sketchbooks, personal correspondence and photographs. This is definitely a designers’s dream show come true!
Karl Lagerfeld and his treasured cat Choupette in Paris 2018. (Photo Credit: Annie Leibovitz for Vogue)
Throughout his career, Lagerfeld created a wealth of fashion illustrations that captured the essence of his designs and his unique creative vision. His illustrations were often used to promote his collections and even today, they continue to inspire and captivate fashion enthusiasts.
In Lagerfeld’s early illustration work, you can see that he had a much tighter hand as shown in the images below that he did for the House of Tiziani before he joined Chanel in 1983. His illustrations were characterized by their bold, graphic style and attention to detail. Over time however, Lagerfeld’s hand became looser and less rigid and therefore was able to capture the movement and flow of fabrics, often highly stylized, with exaggerated proportions and abstracted shapes. Despite their abstract nature, Lagerfeld’s illustrations always conveyed a sense of elegance and sophistication.
Four of the fashion illustrations by Karl Lagerfeld auctioned on April 18, 2019 (Image Credit wwd.com)
Whether Lagerfeld was illustrating a Chanel jacket or a Fendi gown, he always managed to convey the unique character and style of each piece. Used as promotional materials, Lagerfeld’s illustrations helped build anticipation and excitement for each of his upcoming shows.
Illustration of Chanel coat, fall 2017. (Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Lagerfeld’s work was also a reflection of his larger creative vision. He was known for his love of art, literature and culture, and his illustrations often incorporated elements from these fields. For example, he frequently incorporated references to classical art, such as Greek statues, Renaissance paintings or iconic monuments such as the Statue of Liberty. These references added an extra layer of depth and meaning to his work and helped to establish Lagerfeld as a true visionary in the fashion industry.
Lagerfeld’s illustration – Anna Piaggi for Liberty of Fashion, Barney’s New York 1986 (Image Credit: 1stDibs.com)
The work of some fashion designers and fashion illustrators are now highly collectable and are sold on websites like 1stDibs.com, iCanvas.com and Artsy.net or in auction houses around the world.
A Karl Lagerfeld illustration circa 1960-1970: original yellow and white coat colored pencil fashion sketch – 10k Appraisal Includes a Certificate of Authenticity – sold for US$6,950 (Photo Credit: artsy.net)
In addition to illustrating his collections, Lagerfeld also created a number of illustrations for other purposes, such as books, magazines and even a calendar, showcasing his diverse talents and his ability to adapt his style to different contexts. Lagerfeld’s illustrations were always imbued with his signature style and creativity, making them instantly recognizable as his own.
A Chanel illustration for Lady Gaga created by Karl Lagerfeld. (Photo Credit: Facebook.com)
KARL LAGERFELD: THE DESIGNER
The MET’s Lagerfeld exhibit will consist of approximately 150 designs and according to the MET, it will “explore the artistic methodology and stylistic vocabulary of Karl Lagerfeld’s designs through recurring themes across more than 65 years, from the 1950s to his final collection in 2019”. The Costume Institute Benefit (also known as The Met Gala) will take place on Monday, May 1, 2023.
In addition to showcasing Lagerfeld’s designs, the exhibit will explore the designer’s life and legacy. Lagerfeld was known for his larger-than-life personality, his love of art and literature, and his tireless work ethic. The exhibit will delve into Lagerfeld’s background, including his early life in Germany and his rise to fame in the fashion industry. Visitors will gain insight into Lagerfeld’s creative process, his inspirations, and his collaborations with other artists and designers.
One of the most exciting aspects of the exhibit is the opportunity to see Lagerfeld’s designs up close and personal. Visitors will be able to study the intricate details and craftsmanship that went into creating each piece. From the impeccable tailoring of his jackets to the intricate embroidery on his gowns, Lagerfeld’s designs are a testament to his skill as a designer. Here’s a sample of what will be featured in the exhibition:
Wedding dress by Chanel Haute Couture from the Fall 2005 Collection. (Photo Credit: Julia Hetta. Courtesy of the MET)
A Fendi coat from the fall 2000 Collection. (Photo Credit: Julia Hetta for the MET)
The exhibit will also feature interactive elements, including virtual reality experiences and interactive displays. Visitors will be able to explore Lagerfeld’s designs in a variety of ways, from 3D projections to virtual runway shows. The exhibit will provide a truly immersive experience, giving visitors a chance to step into Lagerfeld’s world and see the fashion industry through his eyes.
KARL LAGERFELD’S INFLUENCE IS STILL FELT TODAY
A vintage photo of Karl Lagerfeld. (Photo Credit Getty Images)
Lagerfeld served as the creative director for Chanel for over three decades, before his passing on February 19, 2019.
Perhaps one of Lagerfeld’s greatest contributions to fashion was his ability to keep Chanel relevant. When he took over as creative director in 1983, the brand was struggling to remain fresh. However, Lagerfeld breathed new life into the heritage brand, infusing it with his own unique style and vision. He was unafraid to take risks and experiment with new ideas, while still remaining true to the brand’s classic aesthetic.
Lagerfeld’s re-invention of the Chanel jacket, which he introduced in the 1980s, was a modern update of the classic silhouette. The jacket became an instant classic and remains a staple of the Chanel collection, in various iterations, today. Although he is no longer with us, Lagerfeld’s influence on fashion will continue to be felt for years to come.
Some of Karl Lagerfeld’s best moments at Chanel. (Photo Credit: Harper’s Bazaar)
OTHER GREAT FASHION DESIGNERS/ILLUSTRATORS
Most designers working in the fashion industry today have little time to sit down and illustrate their ideas. Most execute quick, rough sketches that they hand off to their assistant or to their pattern maker. But there are fashion designers who prefer to illustrate their creations and who possess a special talent that enables them to better communicate their vision in a unique and creative way. Most designers will hire a professional fashion illustrator to showcase their work for press purposes, for example, the illustration below is by fashion illustrator Janka Letková for Marc Jacobs. See the illustrator’s signature in small script along the vertical sash.
Fashion illustrator Janka Letková for Marc Jacobs (Image Credit: iCanvas.com)
Other designers are more inclined to promote their work using their own unique style of illustration. Here a a few of the talented fashion designers who illustrate their own creations.
DIOR’S MARIA GRAZIA CHIURI
Maria Grazia Chiuri, the creative director for Dior, creates exquisite illustrations that are characterized by their romantic, ethereal quality. Her illustrations showcase the details and exquisite craftsmanship of her designs which adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to her work.
Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri fashion illustration for recording artist Georgia for her 2019 tour (Image Credit: fashion press.it.com)
CHRISTIAN LACROIX
French fashion designer Christian Lacroix is also known for his illustration skills, which are characterized by their whimsical, and fantastical style. Lacroix’s illustrations often incorporate elements from art history, such as Rococo motifs and Baroque ornamentation. His illustrations showcase his unique creative vision and his ability to blend different styles and influences into his designs.
Fashion Illustrations by Christian Lacroix (Image Credit: Pinterest.com)
ALBER ELBAZ
Alber Elbaz, the former creative director of Lanvin who sadly passed away on April 24, 2021, was known for his playful and cartoonish style. His illustrations often featured exaggerated proportions with bright, bold colors and were used to promote his collections. His illustrations were considered artwork in their own right.
A fashion illustration by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin (Image Credit: Pinterest.com)
CHRISTIAN SIRANO
Christian Siriano is a designer who has built a successful career by creating clothing that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. He is also an accomplished illustrator whose illustrations are playful, yet with a sense of drama and impact. Siriano is one of the designers who sells his limited-edition illustrations, ranging from $75-$1,200, on his website ChristianSiriano.com.
Christian Siriano showing his limited edition fashion illustrations (Photo Credit: ChristianSiriano.com)
JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER
Jean-Paul Gaultier is a designer known for his daring, unconventional designs. He is also an accomplished illustrator. Gaultier’s illustrations often feature precise, graphic lines, like the one below that he did for Madonna’s MDNA 2012 tour.
Fashion illustration by Jean Paul Gaultier for Madonna’s MDNA Tour 2012
With the advent of computer-assisted design, fashion illustration has become a luxury for most fashion designers these days. However, at UoF we still promote hand drawn fashion through our Fashion Art discipline consisting of 27 Beginner, 39 Intermediate and 17 Advanced lessons. We teach how to draw, render and illustrate fashion design and accessories and so it’s no wonder that we are head-over-heels excited to see the Lagerfeld show at the MET. Viva La Fashion Illustration! Viva Lagerfeld!
SO TELL US, DO YOU KNOW OF OTHER FASHION DESIGNERS THAT CAN ILLUSTRATE?
